Mary M. Leone

Mary Margaret (Dowling) Leone, 80, of Braintree, Massachusetts, formerly of Duxbury and Lexington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 29, 1945, in Weymouth, Mary lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert Leone, with whom she shared many wonderful years of love and partnership. Together, they built a family rooted in care and connection-- values that Mary carried into everything she did.

Mary was the devoted mother of Andrea and Stephen Centerrino, and Elisa and Christopher Scully. She was the proud and adoring grandmother of Nicholas, Anna, Aidan, Conal and Liam, who were the light of her life. Truly nothing brought her more joy than her role as a grandmother, and she loved attending their games, theater productions, concerts, and other milestones and proudly shared their accomplishments with everyone she knew.

She was the loving sister of John and Kathleen Dowling of Duxbury; Kathleen and the late Richard Little of Columbus, OH; Anne and Angus Beaton of Hanson; Patricia and Michael Tokarz of East Bridgewater; Daniel and Lauren Dowling of Hanover; Janine and Geoffrey Harvey of Pocasset; Karen and John Campbell of Bangor, ME; and the late James Dowling. Mary was always a loving and caring presence in the lives of her many, many nieces and nephews as well.

Mary championed social justice issues and women's rights and dedicated herself for many years to the METCO program as an educator. Her work reflected her deep commitment to social change and her belief in the power of education to improve lives.

Those who knew Mary will remember her smile, her quick wit and her strong values. She found her greatest joy in family gatherings, thoughtful conversations, and time spent with her grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 3, from 5-7 pm at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 40 Sea Street, North Weymouth. A service celebrating Mary's life will take place on Tuesday, November 4, at 11 am at All Souls Church, 196 Elm Street, Braintree. Private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary's name to the Braintree Community Food Pantry